Arianna Debunks Smear Against Progressive Blogs

Posted on Apr 10, 2007

Arrianna Huffington responds to the suggestion that progressives on the Internet are disproportionately hostile and nasty: “The most toxic woman on TV, frankly, is Ann Coulter, who is solidly on the right, who talks about rat poison for Judge Stevens, who talks about New York Times journalists needing to be executed. I mean, this is the kind of absolutely toxic vile talk—and she’s not even anonymous! So, please, let’s stop this absurd idea that this has anything to do with the progressive blogosphere.”

I have not read it yet, but a recent article in a Doctors Trade Magazine, (sorry do not know the name), discussed the differences between conservatives and Liberals? Anyone seen it? What I heard on the radio was interesting

It’s a open public forum, and there is a variety of different people, many mean-spirited and crude, but frankly the sites are often trolled by the right wing posters who are prime examples of beyond the pale, crass postings.

Now the right is getting a taste of their own medicine. Which they have doled out for years, allow me to shed a few crocodile tears for them, I’ve seen what truly sensitive caring people they are.

Don’t these concerned right wing complainers, recall the Clinton years? I don’t remember any conservative self movement to police the speech from their side?

I say lead by example, if you think there’s a problem perhaps start by admonishing those in your own party.

#63251 by Jeff Badura on 4/10 at 10:08 pm
(Truthdig Guest)....PSS- the collective hate will doom the Dems in 08!

In response: Dems may be this poor fella’s worst nightmare; if so, he sure picks a load of wimps to duke it out with…if, as it appears, he wants a real fight, he should take on a fighter pilot - but if like Bush, he’s all hat an no cattle, he may want to stay away - http://www.pilotsfor911truth.org/

People should have to sign their name to what they write. Freedom of speech is our right, but with rights come the responsibility to give an honest opinion and without all the profanity. Not that I haven’t cussed out Bush and his regime, to say nothing of how disgusting I find Ann Coulter but writing profanity and threats about these losers makes us no different than they are. What I would like someone to explain is why Coulter and her ilk can publicly say some should be given rat poison, etc and get away with it. You try saying that about a judge and you may find a cop or fed at your door. This nut Coulter brings out sick people who may follow through on her nutty ideas.

Oh please! Karl Rove is the master of sleeze and his disciples, Coulter, Hannity, O’Reilly, Kristol, Hume, Cheney, add neaseum, have led to Swiftboat, accusing McCain of fathering a black child out of wedlock, 9/11 wives in it for the money, attacking war records of McCain, Murtha, Kerry, Cleland. The Republicans wrote the modern book on nasty behavior - the hypocrisy is stunning to say the least.

Conservatism is the Politics of Fear, and it’s getting out of control. I’ve written an essay on the subject.

BTW, Ariana, You are Wonderful!!!!!!!

I sometimes feel you’re the only other person in the world who isn’t crazy. Don’t get me wrong, Bill Maher and Chris Rock are sharp guys; maybe someday they’ll catch up to you.

Anyway, enough gushing. Here’s the essay.

Fear Itself

Ive found, when in conflict, it can be helpful to consider things from the other point of view. This works best if you can, using imagination, immerse yourself in your opponents perspective.

For example:

I am a terrorist. I live in the desert and I hate America.
I am well financed and sophisticated. I watch TV.
In the half-decade since 911, I have been obsessing about ways to attack America. But, despite my sophistication, I have failed to notice that Americas southern border is an enormous, and completely open….

...desert.

Our government assures us that, by spending massive amounts of money, and furiously whittling away at The Constitution, they have successfully prevented terrorists from entering the United States.

Our government also assures us that, despite spending massive amounts of money, and furiously whittling away at The Constitution, they cannot prevent millions of starving immigrants, and countless tons of illegal drugs, from entering the United States.

So, we have succeeded in keeping out terrorists, but have failed in keeping out immigrants and illegal drugs. It seems to me, that well financed and sophisticated terrorist groups could manage to land anywhere in Central or South America, disguise their weapons as a load of marijuana, and then waltz across the border anytime they wished.

This apparent contradiction is the result of differing needs from the two main power structures governing The United States. The political and the bureaucratic.

The political power structure is elected, and terms are limited. They must curry enough favor with the citizenry to get re-elected. They want to appear as powerful and competent as possible and one hundred percent effectiveness is always desired. The perception of completely solving a problem is a big feather in their caps (and helps insure continued Power for their Party).

Therefore, they have succeeded in keeping out terrorists.

The bureaucratic power structure is not elected. In order to insure long and fruitful careers, bureaucratic agencies must show themselves to be needed. Complete success means looking for another job and so, one hundred percent effectiveness is not desired

Therefore, immigrants and illegal drugs continue to flow into the United States.

So, we can keep out sophisticated and well financed terrorists, but we cannot keep out homeless and starving Mexicans, and countless tons of illegal drugs.

Interesting, huh?

Due to the obvious presence of illegal immigrants and illegal drugs in our country, Im going to have to believe the bureaucrats on this one.

The War on Terror is purely political. The enemy does not exist.

I realize the money is gone forever, but could I have my rights back now?

Please?

Peace,
Bob Bennett
Lick Skillet, Alabama

P.S. The War on Terror is a political lie, or our leaders are very, very, very paranoid. I prefer liars to paranoid freaks. My opinion that the whole thing is a political lie is simply a reflection of my optimistic nature.

>>>> their incivility is essentially to get attention  not unlike petulant children

What’s missing from this discussion is that this lot (above) are notorious LIARS! Moreover they are SHILLS for the regime. Their loudmouth tactics would be tolerated in no civil debate  a context in which their intellectual paucity would at best expose them as pathetic JOKES.

That they are somehow held up as purveyors of “intellectual” debaate by the Main Stream Media literally expands the comedic assignation to include the administrators of this cruel excuse for a “national debate.” Shame on them all. No wonder Americans are viewed around the world as hopelessly ill-informed and tragically naive.

Whenever Coulter barks something outrageously offensive and gets called on it, she’ll invariably defend herself by saying something on the order of, “I was just kidding. Don’t take me seriously.” You’ll be happy to note, Ms. Coulter, that I’ve NEVER taken you seriously—nor can I understand how anyone could.

ITs a Right wing thing I swear their nuts because they support Bush! Rightwingers are the most ignorant stupid bunch out there, they are what keeps peace and progress back in the stone age..bunch of apes.